Bops That Pop: May 2024 | Playlist 🎧

Bops That Pop: May 2024 features music courtesy of Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, Coco Jones, Kendrick Lamar, Omar Apollo, and Tommy Richman.

It’s that time! What time it is? Why, monthly round-up time – time to acknowledge those Bops That Pop, like boom 💥! Bops That Pop represents the best songs of a given month on The Musical Hype! All the songs on Bops That Pop: May 2024 were released as singles or as an album track in late April 2024, May 2024, or whereabouts. Musicians that served up the bops in May 2024 include Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, Coco Jones, Kendrick Lamar, Omar Apollo, and Tommy Richman. So, without further ado, here are those Bops That Pop: May 2024!

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1.Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”

2.Tommy Richman, “MILLION DOLLAR BABY”

3.Coco Jones, “Here We Go (Uh Oh)”

4.Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, “Somebody’s Child”

5.Kendrick Lamar, “Meet The Grahams”

6.Omar Apollo, “Dispose of Me”

7.Megan Thee Stallion, “BOA”

8.T-Pain, “On This Hill”

9.Charli XCX, “360”

10.Chris Housman, “Guilty As Sin”

11.Luna Li, “Confusion Song”

12.ROLE MODEL, “Deeply Still in Love”

13.Bebe Rexha, “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)”

14.Lauv, “Potential”

15.Kendrick Lamar, “euphoria”

16.Highly Suspect, “Summertime Voodoo”

17.Camila Cabello, “HE KNOWS”

18.Tom Nethersole, “TWINK”

19.Post Malone, “I Had Some Help” (Ft. Morgan Wallen)

20.Luke Combs, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”

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1. Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”

“Not Like Us” // Kendrick Lamar // 2024

“I see dead people.” And so, begins the Kendrick Lamar diss directed toward Drake, “Not Like Us”. The sound is intentionally clubby and commercial. Atypical of him artistically, Kendrick clowns Drizzy post-“Family Matters”. “Not Like Us” was produced by Mustard, Sounwave, and Sean Momberger. “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us.” The sleekness of the instrumental is a selling point, but the bars ‘take the cake.’ Early on, K-Dot spits, “What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?” He adds, “Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin’.” He’s willing to compromise his  Christianity to F him up. There’s more, in the first verse: “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,” and, “Why you trollin’ like a bitch? Ain’t you tired? Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” Gah-day-um! Verse two finds Lamar continuing to eat Drake TF up, bringing up skeletons in the closet: “Fucked on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that’s connivin’ / Then get his face tatted like a bitch apologizin’.” He characterizes him as a pedophile (again), clowning his moniker as the 6 God: “Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, ayy / Freaky-ass niggas need to stay they ass inside, ayy.” In the third verse, he criticizes Drizzy’s artistry, accusing him of using others for clout, including Future, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and Young Thug. One of the best jabs by K-Dot: “Let me hear you say, ‘OV-ho.’” “Not Like Us” is the third of three red-hot joints where Kendrick destroys his adversary.

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2. Tommy Richman, “MILLION DOLLAR BABY”

“MILLION DOLLAR BABY” // ISO Supremacy / PULSE // 2024

“Cause I wanna make it (so badly) / I’m a Million Dollar Baby (don’t at me).” WOO! “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” from Tommy Richman is a vibe from the opening tip.  The moment this sugar honey iced tea comes on, it is straight fire! It was produced by Max Vossberg, Jonah Roy, Mannyvelli, Sparkheem, and Kavi.  The production team kicks ass and takes names. The groove is infectious to the nth degree. Between it and the gimmicky ‘chopped and screwed’ vocals in the intro – “Do it, baby, do what I should think / Do it-do it, baby, do what I could think” – it gets you hype TF up!

Besides rad production, the melodies are infectious and tuneful. The lyrics are confident and fun. “I ain’t never rep a set baby / I ain’t do no wrong,” Richman sings (*raps melodically) in the chorus, continuing, “I could clean up good for you / Oh, I know right from wrong.” Richman’s vocal performance is intriguing.  His tone is ear-catching and, the comparisons to Brent Faiyaz don’t seem far-fetched (Note: he’s signed to Faiyaz’s label). He oozes with soul and swagger. A prime example of this swagger: “VA next (Yeah, yeah), I’m at they neck (Yeah, yeah) / I’m running up a check (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah).” If you need a translation for what Richman’s saying, he’s saying his home state, Virginia, has got next. Ultimately, Tommy Richman ‘did the damn thang’ on “MILLION DOLLAR BABY”.  This is a MUST addition to the listening rotation – a surefire banger!

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3. Coco Jones, “Here We Go (Uh Oh)”

“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” // High Standardz / Def Jam // 2024

“Why it’s gotta be your way? I want it to be mine.” Understood, Coco Jones – I want it my way! She follows up with a bomb: “What, you think this is foreplay? Must be out of your mind.” Oh, snap! The Grammy-winning R&B singer brings heat, attitude, and sexiness to her soulful, dramatic single, “Here We Go (Uh Oh)”. “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” samples the beloved, Lenny Williams classic, “‘Cause I Love You”.  Not only is the sound and meter of the Williams joint fuel for the fire but so is the theme.  Sure, things are bumpy in the excerpted pre-chorus, but by the chorus, the feels return!

“I know when you said, ‘goodbye,’ you ain’t mean no goodbye

Here we go, uh-oh, ah

I know when you get to likin’ my pictures in time

Here we go, uh-oh.”

Vocally, Coco Jones sounds beastly. She sings expressively. She puts her all, heart, and soul into the performance. “Better man, why don’t you just be the better man? / Why I gotta be the bigger man?” she asks in the dynamic bridge. Throughout, the melodies are tuneful. Her vocal ad-libs are magnificent. She penned “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” alongside Williams and Michael Bennett (the sampled material), Sara Diamond, and producers Cardiak and WU10. The sound is classic yet refreshing in 2024. The excellence of “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” speaks for itself. 

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4. Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, “Somebody’s Child”

“Somebody’s Child” // Capitol CMG, Inc. // 2024 

“Do you remember dreaming? / Do you remember home? / Do you remember feelin’ / Like you were not alone?” Nigerian singer/songwriter Blessing Offor is reminiscent in the first verse of his sincere, touching pop, gospel-infused song, “Somebody’s Child”. The memories are beautiful and unforgettable. Also unforgettable are the tuneful melodies performed by Offor.  He penned “Somebody’s Child” alongside Joy Williams and producer, Josh Ronen.  Additionally, he collaborates with a musical icon, the one-and-only Dolly Parton.

“We’re all somebody’s baby

We’re all somebody’s child                               

We’re all some kinda crazy

We’re all some kinda wise

We’re all full of amazing

We’re all flirting with lies

We’re all somebody’s heartache

Somebody’s can’t wait, somebody’s why

We’re all somebody’s baby

We’re all somebody’s child.”

The chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece of “Somebody’s Child.” Offor sublimely performs it following his verse.  Dolly Parton then takes the reins in the second verse, penned like the first. “Do you remember running? / Do you remember wild,” she asks.  Offor also sings a couple of solo lines and sings a couple of lines with her.  They join forces in the second chorus, with the help of choral vocals. A bridge precedes the final chorus, which is incredibly heartfelt and stirring. Ultimately, “Somebody’s Child” is a feel-good, uplifting record. Gospel music cues are firmly in play, from the warmth and prevalence of the piano to the choral vocals, but, this is more of an inspirational pop record.  Blessing Offor and Dolly Parton give listeners quite a musical blessing.

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5. Kendrick Lamar, “Meet The Grahams”

“meet the grahams” // Kendrick Lamar / Interscope // 2024

“Dear Adonis / I’m sorry that that man is your father, let me be honest.” Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar is savage on “meet the grahams”, a scathing diss track aimed at Drake (Aubrey Graham). In his response to Drizzy’s “Family Matters”, Kendrick addresses members of the Graham family, including Drake’s son, mom, and father.  He doesn’t hold back from rapping numerous eyebrow-raising lyrics and making newfound allegations against the Canadian musician.  The six-and-a-half-minute banger is produced by The Alchemist. He gives Lamar a dark, evil instrumental to demolish Drizzy.

The first verse is addressed to Adonis, Drake’s son.  Kendrick criticizes Drake’s parenting and tells Adonis he needs “good leadership / Let me be your mentor since your daddy don’t teach you shit.” He also informs him, “[I] wish your grandpa woulda wore a condom.” He also takes shots at Drizzy’s blackness. In the second verse, he addresses Drake’s mom, Sandra.  “Sandra, sit down, what I’m about to say is heavy, now listen / … Your son’s a sick man with sick thoughts, I think niggas like him should die.” Wow… In this wild verse, he criticizes Dennis Graham, likens Drizzy to Harvey Weinstein, blasts his treatment of black women, and alleges there are sex offenders on his OVO payroll. Gah-day-um! In the third verse, he addresses an alleged daughter.  There is no evidence of Drake having a secret daughter, but the rapper runs with it. “Yes, he’s a hitmaker, songwriter, superstar, right / And a fuckin’ deadbeat that should never say More Life / Meet the Grahams.”  Finally, in verse four, Kendrick addresses Drake himself. Why did “meet the grahams” have to happen? Per K-Dot, “But you fucked up the moment you called out my family’s name.” Kendrick Lamar obliterates Drake.

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6 .Omar Apollo, “Dispose of Me”

God Said No // Warner // 2024

“And I don’t see you anymore, but the words you left me are always in my ears / Always in my tears.” Those pesky matters of the heart have affected our dear, gifted, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Omar Apollo.  “Dispose of Me” is the second single from his deeply personal, sophomore album, God Said No. It was written by Apollo, Billy Walsh, Oscar Santander, and Blake Slatkin. It was produced by Santander, Slatkin, and Teo Halm. Like most Omar Apollo songs, “Dispose of Me” is giving sheer musical excellence. The production of “Dispose of Me” is subtle and tastefully executed. Furthermore, the accompanying instrumental is smooth and soulful. The guitars stand out, sounding awesome without being overt or forcing things.  The backdrop is the perfect fuel for Omar who shines with his gorgeous, nuanced vocals from the beginning. He’s authentic and honest in his performance. Thematically, he recalls a past love: “You’re a gentleness my body just won’t forget / You’re a handprint on my heart I just can’t possess.” Aww. He doesn’t want to let it go, commandingly singing in the second verse, “Can we try again? / You know we had potential.” The section to beat is the chorus which features a tuneful melody and memorable lyrics:

“It doesn’t matter if it’s twenty-five years, twenty-five months

It doesn’t matter if it’s twenty-five days, it was real love

We got too much history

So, don’t just dispose of me…”

Notably, Apollo’s falsetto during the chorus only ups the ante of this fabulous song.  “Dispose of Me” marks “another one,” aka, another hit, from the handsome, talented singer/songwriter.

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7. Megan Thee Stallion, “BOA”

“BOA” // Hot Girl Productions LLC // 2024

“I be showin’ my ass, they mad, huh? / Bitches is bitter, they thought it was sweet /  All the sudden, they vegan, they don’t want beef / Talkin’ outta veneers, I’m knockin’ out teeth.” From the beginning of “BOA”, Grammy-winning rapper Megan The Stallion comes out swinging. “BOA” marks her third consecutive snake-oriented single following “Cobra” (2023) and “HISS” (2024).  It is short but utterly sweet, running just over two-and-a-half minutes. Produced by LilJuMadeDaBeat, the minor-key instrumental is anchored by a banging beat.

Megan Thee Stallion eats, as always.  Her flow and bars are aggressive AF.  She gives no fucks, asserting, “Hoes do all of that typin’ / But never once did I get pressed / It’s obvious bitches obsessed / If it’s fuck me, then we havin’ sex (ah).” Boom! The chorus is the section to beat. Notably, “BOA” samples the 2004, Gwen Stefani classic, “What You Waiting For”. Specifically, during the chorus, the famous clock sounds are integrated in (“Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock / These bitches only hot on Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock”). Megan states she’s popping beyond TikTok – “I’m really hip-hop.” Word! The second verse offers more of the same jabs, where Meg “Just crossed another opp off the checklist / Spankin’ these rap bitches, yeah, that’s my fetish.” Oh, snap! Megan The Stallion kicks ass and takes names on “BOA” slaughtering the competition.  This sugar honey iced tea is a certified rap banger!

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8. T-Pain, “On This Hill”

“On This Hill” // Nappy Boy Entertainment / EMPIRE // 2024

“I’m tellin’ you, I’ll die on this hill / You can’t talk me off the ledge.” In “On This Hill”, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter T-Pain (Faheem Najm) shows a deeper, introspective side. “Thought provokin’ all of that stops today,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “Tonight’s the night I finally turned off the gas light.” Specifically, he describes this self-penned ballad (produced with Lil Rod) as “really about refusing to be gaslit anymore”.

Vocally, the autotune remains king. Even so, T-Pain sounds radiant. He is expressive, nuanced, and powerful. The harmonized vocals are also delightful. The melody is stunning – tuneful to the nth degree.  The harmonic progression is strong with some wrinkles that keep things interesting. Instrumentally, the backdrop – keys, primarily – is another selling point. As “On This Hill” progresses, a groove is added, upping the ante. His bread is buttered lyrically and thematically. Reclaiming your power and standing up for yourself, not allowing yourself to be gaslit by others, is powerful. “Admit that it’s been you / You can’t manipulate me this time,” he sings in the pre-chorus. He adds in the centerpiece, the chorus, “I am not the one who needs to be saved / So, tell ‘em come and dig my grave right here / Right here on top of this hill.” Say that, T-Pain! Ultimately, “On This Hill” is one of the R&B singer/songwriter’s best songs ever.

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9. Charli XCX, “360”

Charli XCX // BRAT // Atlantic // 2024 

“Drop down, yeah / Lookin’ like an icon / Work angles, yeah.” Charli XCX excels at bops. The brief “360” qualifies as a bop in the pop/electronic realm. A. G. Cook and Cirkut produced this hyperpop gem. Expectedly, the production is sleek, characterized by its minimalist, rhythmic synths, and anchored by a banging beat. Backed by a sick instrumental, she brings ample attitude and personality. The melodies are tuneful, and the lyrics are catchy. “I’m tectonic, moves, I make ‘em,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “Shock you like defibrillators.” In the second, her “legacy is undebated,” and, “If you love it, if you hate it / I don’t fucking care what you think.” Oh, snap! The pre-chorus (excerpted at the top) and chorus are the most memorable sections of “360.” In the fierce chorus, she sings, “Yeah, 360 / When you’re in the mirror, do you like what you see? / When you’re in the mirror, you’re just looking at me.” “360” is brief but potent. This marks another fun, surefire bop from Charli.

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10. Chris Housman, “Guilty As Sin”

Blueneck // Chris Housman // 2024 

“Tried to fight it / To deny it / But every single night it’s the same desire, same damn fire.” Chris Housman understands it simply CAN’T be prayed away.  “Knew it was you the moment I felt this, baby, I’m helpless.” Housman is talking about resisting a guy. How many guys can’t resist a girl they adore, he can’t resist this guy he adores.  The gay country musician shouldn’t have to resist. In the marvelous ballad, “Guilty As Sin”, the fifth track from Blueneck, he is living his truth.

“I’m done pretending / Cut the tension / Ain’t no use in us acting like, this ain’t right.” Agreed, Chris. He’s on fire from start to finish. His vocals are stunning.  Furthermore, he sounds honest and sincere regarding his sexuality, adding in the second verse, “I need your body / Heavy on me / I’m always falling back to your gravity, it’s pulling me.”  Aww! The accompaniment is country to the nth degree, and it sounds natural and fitting.  Country music isn’t known as the most inclusive genre but more and more, artists are expanding and pushing the boundaries.  The centerpiece of this thoughtful song that EVERYBODY needs to hear is the chorus:

“I gave it my best

But this halo don’t fit

If I had to spend forever in heaven without you might as well be in hell

My verdict is in

Cause baby if loving you is wrong

Then I’m guilty as sin.”

Love is love 🏳️‍🌈, baby! And “Guilty As Sin” is a heavenly and moving, must-hear country ballad from Chris Housman.

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11. Luna Li, “Confusion Song”

When a Thought Grows Wings // Real Life Music // 2024

“I thought we were taking space / Held my heart in a suspended place / Never said that I missed your face / Can love regenerate?” Ah, a state of confusion! Korean Canadian multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Luna Li (Hannah Kim) goes on to ask in the chorus of her “Confusion Song”, “How do you see it? / How?” “Confusion Song” is the opener from When a Thought Grows Wings. She penned and produced this marvelous song alongside Andrew Lappin and Monsune. What makes “Confusion Song” marvelous? The production is utterly sublime. The instrumental touches are gorgeous. I love the dreamy vibes of the backdrop, which musically paints a portrait of confusion and uncertainty.  Also, contributing to the confusion is the way the music is written metrically.  Certain ideas are written across the bar line in opposition to the meter – a clever and cool effect.  Li also plays a key role in the marvelousness with her easy-going, cool, calm, and collected vocals. Does she break a sweat? It doesn’t sound like it.  Besides her voice, the lyrics are sensational too. They support the confusion of this romance. “Broke your heart into a million men / You’re falling back, I’m running way ahead,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “Could you be the one to make amends?” Yes, there is confusion lyrically and thematically on “Confusion Song”. Regarding quality and musicality, Luna Li ‘put her foot’ into this song.

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12. ROLE MODEL, “Deeply Still in Love”

Kansas Anymore // Interscope // 2024 

“Go tell your mother / That she did nothing wrong / ‘Cause you seem happier since I’ve been gone.” Oh, snap, ROLE MODEL (Tucker Pillsbury).  The Maine-born and bred singer/songwriter is honest with his pen and vocal performance on “Deeply Still in Love”, the second single from his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore. A tone of excellence is set early thanks to a thrilling, pummeling drum riff, driving rhythm guitar, and electrifying tempo.  “Deeply Still in Love” was written by Pillsbury, Two Inch Punch (Ben Ash), and producer, Noah Conrad. “Well, I heard you might’ve found somebody new / I still can’t swallow it / But I think I’m proud of you,” ROLE MODEL asserts in the second verse.  Notably, the vocals are playful in both verses, with a hint of tongue-in-cheek and ample personality.  Less melodic, this is part of the charm of  “Deeply Still in Love.” He continues, “And I went out tonight / Shit don’t feel the same / I try and bury it ‘til I called her by your name.” Oh, snap! The pre-chorus and chorus are melodic.  In the chorus, he admits, “I’m sorry, but I’m deeply still in love / In love with you.” “Deeply Still in Love” has some folksy-pop and classic pop/rock vibes contrasting previous songs he’s released.  The change of pace is welcome. The bridge marks another winning moment featuring the most rhythmic intensity. Lovely piano at the end of the final chorus, which spills into the outro, concludes this engaging four-minute record where ROLE MODEL eats.

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13. Bebe Rexha, “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)”

“Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” // Warner // 2024 

“I do things my way / Or take the highway / But my heart, it never missed a beat.” Bebe Rexha has spoken.  Those lyrics hail from the first verse of her brief but entertaining single, “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)”. In the second she asserts, “I’ve been on a vibe, babe / Breaking out of my cage / Living on the wilderness of my escape.” “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” serves up those dance-pop vibes – a good look for the pop star. It was penned by Rexha, Aluna Francis, and Chris Lake. Providing the sleek production work is Lake. The beat is infectious while the keys and synths shimmer. “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” thrives off of lightness. It never gets too heavy.  Rexha delivers solid vocals, never forcing things.  Does she break a sweat? No, particularly during the drop/post-chorus: “Mm, da-da-da, da-da-da…” Those lyrics are nonsensical but ear-catching. Before that, she shines in the chorus, asserting, “Chase it / I’ll never chase it / I won’t leave alone tonight.” She’s determined! Plenty of vocal effects make things even more colorful – pitch shift, reverb, etc. “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” is a vibe, particularly for summertime.  Bebe let’s dance! 

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14. Lauv, “Potential”

“Potential” // Lauv / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. // 2024

Lauv (Ari Leff) has experienced changes regarding his sexual orientation. sexually. “Potential” addresses his sexuality without explicitly stating it. To his friend, in the first verse, he admits, “Never told you why / Always held inside / No more tears to cry / I’m not afraid, I gotta say / Oh, damn, I think we got potential.” Leff penned “Potential” alongside Michael Pollack, Madison Love, Kii Kinsella, Castle, Tenroc (Jason Cornet), and producers Ojivolta (Mark Williams and Raul Cubina) and Twisco (Jarrod Morgan).  Lots of cooks in the kitchen, but the potential is ‘through the roof!’

On “Potential,” Lauv no longer hides or masks who he is.  He embraces it and reveals his feelings to someone of the same sex.  The second verse reveals genuine emotions regarding his revelations (“Had a heart attack / When I told you that / That I loved you back”). The chorus is the centerpiece, with no shortage of damns from Lauv: “Like damn, I know we could be special / I’ll sell you on the vision, but this heart is not for rental…”  The bridge also shows even more transparency from Lauv without crossing any lines: “With a body like that, body like that / I just can’t keep my hands to myself.” Furthering this coming out narrative, and potential budding romance is a sweet music video, by far his queerest yet.  Vocally, he’s true to self, soundly and convincingly selling the lyrics and his feelings.  Furthermore, the melodies are sweet and the production sleek.  Hearing Leff embrace his true self is the biggest triumph of  “Potential”.

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15. Kendrick Lamar, “euphoria”

“euphoria” // Kendrick Lamar / Interscope // 2024 

“You’re not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accepted.” Before “meet the grahams” and “Not Like Us”, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar fired shots at Drake on “euphoria”.  After first dissing him as a featured guest on the Future / Metro Boomin no. 1 hit, “Like That”, K-Dot responds to disses by Drizzy (“Push Ups” notably). “Euphoria” runs nearly six-and-a-half minutes long. It was produced by Cardo, Kyro, Sounwave, Johnny Juliano, and Yung Exclusive. It samples various songs including the Teddy Pendergrass classic, “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration”.  With three distinct ‘parts,’ marked by different beats (beat switches), Kendrick is NOT playing around with Drake.

The first beat and backdrop are cool, calm, and collected – euphoric.  Even so, Kendrick Lamar delivers the excerpted lyric – a bullet aimed towards Drake.  Case in point: “Tommy Hilfiger stood out, but FUBU never had been your collection / I make music that electrify ‘em, you make music that pacify ‘em.” Part two follows, more aggressively.  Not only does K-Dot dig in, but so does the brassy, banging instrumental. His flow is potent AF, led by moments like “It’s three GOATs left, and I seen two of them kissin’ and huggin’ on stage” (J. Cole and Drake).  Furthermore, Kendrick criticizes Drake’s “sneak diss” ways and questions his blackness.  “How many more black features ‘til you finally feel that you’re black enough / I like Drake with the melodies, I don’t like Drake when he act tough.” One final beat switch follows along with the final verse. Lamar proclaims, “I’m allergic to the lame shit, only you like bein’ famous.” There is plenty to unpack on “euphoria”. An essay could be penned decoding the lyrics and analyzing those Genius annotations.  Kendrick Lamar slaughters Drake.

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16. Highly Suspect, “Summertime Voodoo”

As Above, So Below // Roadrunner // 2024

Question: Is Johnny Stevens Highly Suspect? Well, Stevens is the lead vocalist for the Grammy-nominated rock band 😝. One badass dude, the tatted rock star brings the heat on “Summertime Voodoo”, the opener from the band’s fifth studio album, As Above, So Below. The album version of “Summertime Voodoo” runs six-and-a-half minutes in duration. There is an edit that runs under four minutes. “Summertime voodoo / Strange vibrations here / Just crashed my motorcycle / And I still have no fear.” Wow – I’d be scared AF in that situation, Johnny! Anyways, it rocks.  What makes it rock? Stevens’ clear, commanding vocals play a sizable role. His sound isn’t always clean – he also brings that grimy, gritty sound. Clear or gritty, Stevens has some sweet, tuneful melodies to work within the verses.  The lyrics are ear-catching and at times, dark (“‘Boy, go hug your father / Then kill yourself today’”.  He’s apologetic and regretful in the second verse – “I’m sorry Miss Jackson…” The varied choruses are a highlight:

“Hey, ‘cause no one’s coming, no, no

To save my soul, eh

I can’t keep running, no, hey

I’m getting too old.”

Word.  The outro is intriguing too, with Steven characterizing himself as “a carbureted suicide machine / I am the rocker / I am the roller / I am the out-of-controller / I’m the Nightrider, baby.” Besides the vocals and lyrics, the backdrop is rad too. Instrumentally, the distorted guitar carries lots of weight.  The riffs are superb, and the guitar solos go hard.  Furthermore, a Nice dash of organ ups the ante.  Nothing highly suspect about this sick Highly Suspect song, “Summertime Voodoo”.  Rock TF on, Johnny 🤘!

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17. Camila Cabello, “HE KNOWS”

C, XOXO // Camila Cabello / Geffen / Interscope // 2024 

“This is not a show.” WOO! In the intro, Camila Cabello sets the tone for “HE KNOWS”, her bold second single from her fourth studio album, C, XOXO. Cabello gets an assist from Grammy winner Lil Nas X (Montero Hill). The track was written by Cabello, Hill, Ojerime Smith, and producers Daniel Aged, El Guincho (Pablo Diaz-Reixa), and Jasper Harris. Sleekly produced, this pop banger runs a respectable three minutes in duration. Following the intro, Cabello follows up with a simple but infectious chorus:

“I think he knows

When I play with him like that

When I say it to him like that

Have my way with him like that…” 

Following the chorus, she sings the bold first verse. “She’s a provocateur,” she asserts, adding, “Give him hell, yeah / Give these boys hell, yeah / She does it well…” In the pre-chorus, she “Tease(s) him and get(s) him off me.” Oh, snap! The ever-polarizing Lil Nas X is sexed TF up in the second verse.  The freakiness commences with “He drippin’ down on my bustier like ice cream,” continuing with “He fuckin’ up my headboard, so I’m on my knees like, ‘Dear Lord, please pray for me.’” It doesn’t end there.  “Brrt, baow, shoot in my mouth / Shoot in my shit like uh, and one,” he encourages, adding, “I’ma take him from his hoes / On the real, I think he knows.” And for good measure, in the bridge, Camilla asserts, “He’s wrapped around my pinky finger.” “HE KNOWS” is an edgy, hella fun pop banger.

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18. Tom Nethersole, “TWINK”

“TWINK” // Tommy Boy // 2024

“I hate the smell of cigarettes 🚬 but you’re making it look so hot.” This dude must be fine as hell, Tom Nethersole if cigarettes are attractive! He adds in his single, “TWINK”, “The burning tip resting on my lip as you suck in what you want.” Hmm, something tells me that Nethersole is thinking about a different sort of tip… “TWINK” is sexy, suggestive, and – wait for it – gay, gay, gay 🏳️‍🌈! Nethersole makes it steamy with his vocal delivery while the production (bloomz) screams S-E-X.  So, where does the twink come into play? The chorus, my dears!

“Breathe me in like nicotine

Tell me I’m all you need

I’m all yours on all fours

Show me what it means to be your perfect little twink

Your perfect little twink.”

Those lyrics speak volumes.  Nethersole paints himself, or his character as submissive. He is emotional, but sexually, he wants to be dominated by his partner. Is he a bottom? It seems likely, particularly with the emphasis on little aka the size of a twink and little spoon.  There continues to be a mix of emotional and physical, as Tom wants him to think about him, but also wants them to grind and 69. “TWINK” is a vibe.  It plays superbly as part of the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 soundtrack. Regardless of labels, it is a sexy pop bop.

Appears in 🔻:

• Tom Nethersole, TWINK: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 42 (2024)

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19. Post Malone, “I Had Some Help” (Ft. Morgan Wallen)

“I Had Some Help” // Mercury / Republic // 2024

“They say, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ / Hell, I had some help.” Hell yeah, Post Malone! “I Had Some Help” is the first single from Post’s country album… At this point, the singer/songwriter seems far removed from his more ‘urban’ days. Collaborating with Morgan Wallen, country music’s ‘it’ bad boy carries plenty of cachet. The production and sound fully embrace the country music aesthetic – guitars, guitars, and guitars. It was produced by Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, and Louis Bell. Also, “I Had Some Help” debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Post Malone sings the first verse and the first chorus, the centerpiece filled with that teamwork makes the dream work mentality. “You got a lotta nerve, don’t you, baby? / I only hit the curb ‘cause you made me,” he sings, adding, “Why’d you throw them stones if you / Had a wild hair of your own or two?” His signature vocal cues are in play, namely that distinct vibrato. Wallen amps up the twang in the second verse. “You think that you’re so innocent / After all the shit you did,” he sings, continuing, “I ain’t an angel, you ain’t heaven-sent / Can’t wash our hands of this.” The melodies are tuneful in the verses, with the chorus taking the cake:

“I had some help

It ain’t like I can make this kinda mess all by myself

Don’t act like you ain’t help me pull that bottle off the shelf

Been deep in every weekend if you couldn’t tell

They say, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’

Hell, I had some help.”

The bridge, also entertaining, is performed by both artists, separating itself from the verses. Ultimately, “I Had Some Help” is an enjoyable country duet. Is this the second coming? Nah but catchy and enjoyable.

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20. Luke Combs, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”

Twisters: The Album // Universal Studios / Atlantic // 2024

“I keep chasing that same old devil / Down the same old dead-end highway.” Noted, Luke Combs. The Grammy-nominated country musician is awesome at recording In-your-face country music.  “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” exemplifies in-your-face country music.  The single is the first track on Twisters: The Album, the soundtrack to the 2024 film, Twisters (it’s not a reboot of the 1996 film). Focusing on the song, it was written by Combs, Jessi Alexander, and Jonathan Singleton.  Combs, Singleton, and Chip Matthew produced it with positive results. “Riding that storm running through my veins / Like a shot down tail spun airplane.” Woo! Combs brings the heat when it comes to lead vocals.  He is assertive from the beginning.  He ‘rocks’ – in a country sort of way. Besides strong vocals, he has memorable, ear-catching melodies that favor him. The lyrics are memorable and tied to the theme. “I got saved in the same Red River / The same Red River tryna drown me.” Oh, Oklahoma – she’s rough, y’all! The section to beat is the chorus:

“Ain’t no love in Oklahoma

Just the whistle of a lone black train

You’ll know when it’s coming for ya

Riding in on the wind and rain.”

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” is a soundtrack cut, but it doubles as an enjoyable, well-rounded country song that Combs could’ve easily included on his studio albums.

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Bops That Pop: May 2024 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, AWAL Recordings American, Inc., Camila Cabello, Capitol CMG Inc., Chris Housman, Def Jam, EMPIRE, Geffen, High Standardz, Hot Girl Productions LLC, Interscope, ISO Supremacy, Kendrick Lamar, Lauv, Mercury, Nappy Boy Entertainment, PULSE, Real Life Music, Republic, Roadrunner, Tommy Boy, Universal Studios, Warner; agoss, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Mohamed_hassan, Stefan Schweihofer, succo from Pixabay]

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